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By being Mom's POA, am I responsible for her care?

2 answers
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Last updated: Jan 15, 2014

Q

An anonymous caregiver asked...

I'm power of attorney (POA) for my "now relatively healthy" mother who's in her mid-70s and lives alone. Does this mean I'm the one that will be expected to take her in and be her caregiver when/if the time comes? Mom has other kids close by, but several never call her. None of us want her moving in, that I know. She's made it clear that she doesn't want to be in a nursing home (I'm the one with space and more time, not to mention a good head on the shoulders). She has a negative personality about most things and she's a cling-on for starters. I can only feel that my marriage would suffer.

So, because I was chosen to be the POA, does it mean that the care giving responsibility falls on me? Is that the way it usually happens?

Being the named agent in your mother's power of attorney involves some specific duties and responsibilities"”but none of them involve becoming her fulltime caregiver.

Most documents are quite
See also:
What is the difference between DPOA and POA? specific in enumerating the agent's powers, so check the wording in the one you have and hold. Generally, agents must manage finances or medical care according to the principal's "best interests." That does not mean you must take her into your home at the risk of jeopardizing your marriage"”only that you must make the best possible decisions for her if she becomes unable to do so for herself.

But you are also wise to be thinking ahead. And reading perhaps a bit between the lines, you are also wise to be concerned about defining your future role in your mother's life and care. Much of that has nothing to do with the aforementioned power of attorney. It's a practical matter, reinforced by habit and reality. Many families come equipped with one soul who fits your description: responsible, concerned, head firmly on shoulders. No tags back from the other siblings. So "the way it usually happens ”or often does, is that the responsible one insinuates herself or himself into the role of the parent's primary caregiver"”and the other siblings expect or allow that to happen.

So while it may feel a little callous to you, now is the time to draw your own boundaries. If it's not an option for you to move your mother under your roof, don't make it one. To the extent possible, begin discussing other options with your mother. If she's determined not to move into some type of assisted living arrangement, look into the costs and availability of other possible options for future help in your area: homecare services, adult daycare and day health care, meals and social and monitoring visits from volunteer and community organizations.

By sticking to your guns and being as clear as possible about what help might be needed, you may even find some help from an unexpected source: your siblings. Don't count on it, but know that it's a pleasant surprise in many such family situations.

Was this answer helpful?

I am in a very similar situation, Dad & Mom moved in when my Dad was diagnosed with Cancer. After he passed Mom remained with us, now 4 yrs later. She was diagnosed 3 yrs ago with Lewy Bodies dementia. Still,owns her home in another city. Will not allow me to sell it. I have no problem keeping her with us until,it is not safe for her to spend some time alone. Two brothers just an hour or so away have never been here to see her. I am POA but I will say our life has dramatically changed. It's as though we live in her home, her schedule, ect. I wish you well going forward. If possible stick to your plan, but know you will do what you need to do.

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